Ryan Giggs: Games like Manchester derby keep me involved in football

Ryan Giggs has no doubt that tonight’s Manchester derby pitches the two outstanding teams in England against each other.

Ryan Giggs says games like the Manchester derby keep him in football (Picture: AFP)

If Manchester United win at the Etihad Stadium they will be six points clear with two games to play – but City, searching for their first title since 1968, will sneak ahead on goal difference if they win.

As one of the most nail-biting title races in Premier League history reaches its climax, United veteran Giggs feels no one else is close to the two Manchester clubs.

‘We’re the two best teams, there’s no doubt about that,’ said Giggs.

‘Whereas Tottenham and Chelsea have fallen by the wayside, we’ve carried on going.

‘City were on fire pre-Christmas and really we were just trying to hang on, then we’ve come into form over the second half of the season.

‘Now it’s come down to this. It’s about who puts in the performance.’

The 38-year-old added: ‘These are the sort of games which I am still involved in football for.

‘Apart from cup finals, this is as big as you can get.’

Giggs also insists manager Sir Alex Ferguson will set up United to go for victory, even though a draw would leave them firm favourites for the championship.

‘We’ve got to try and win,’ said Giggs, who could make his 908th United appearance for the club.

‘Obviously if there’s a few minutes to go and it’s all square we won’t be pushing six or seven players forward.

‘But if we just try to defend all game we might come unstuck.

‘I’m sure they’ll fancy themselves to win because they’re a good team and they’re at home, but the scenarios are more in our favour than City.

‘We’re Manchester United, we’re the champions and we’ll try and put out a statement that we deserve to win this league.’